News

Retail sales increase 0.6 percent in November

Gains were consistent with NRF's holiday sales forecast, which anticipates an increase of 4.1 percent over last year.

December 11, 2014

Holiday shoppers took advantage of deep discounting and early sales to lift retail spending in November, the National Retail Federation said in an announcement. Not including automobiles, gasoline stations or restaurants, retail sales increased 0.6 percent seasonally-adjusted over October and 3.2 percent unadjusted over November 2013. Gains were consistent with NRF’s holiday sales forecast, which anticipates an increase of 4.1 percent over last year.

“As we’ve said all along, retailers are optimistic that they will see healthy holiday sales gains this year,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “November sales results confirm that optimism, and we are steadfast in our belief that we are on track to reach the 4.1 percent growth in holiday sales that NRF forecasted in October.”

“Consumer trends show that the shopping experience continues to evolve for both retailers and consumers,” Shay said. “Shoppers this holiday season are seizing opportunities to take advantage of early promotions and showing signs they may wait until the end of the season when promotions are even greater.

“It is important to remember that for most retailers, the holiday season is a marathon, not a sprint, and there are plenty of important holiday shopping days ahead of us, including the week leading up to Super Saturday — the day many expect will be the biggest shopping day of the season.”

“Increasing wages combined with lower gas prices are providing retailers with an early holiday present this year,” NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said. “Every economic indicator is pointing toward a strong holiday season. Healthy November sales should provide momentum for an even stronger December as customers continue to seek out deals all the way to Christmas.”

All retail categories witnessed a monthly increase in sales, including clothing and clothing accessories stores, electronics and appliance stores and nonstore retailers.

Additional findings from NRF’s analysis found that:

Building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers:

• +1.4 percent month-to-month
• +4.7 percent year-over-year

Clothing and clothing accessories stores:

• +1.2 percent month-to-month
• +2.5 percent year-over-year

Electronics and appliance stores:

• +0.9 percent month-to-month
• +6.1 percent year-over-year

Furniture and home furnishing stores:

• +0.5 percent month-to-month
• -0.4 percent year-over-year

General merchandise stores:

• +0.5 percent month-to-month
• +2.3 percent year-over-year

Health and personal care stores:

• +0.8 percent month-to-month
• +4.6 percent year-over-year

Online and other nonstore retailers:

• +1.0 percent month-to-month
• +6.3 percent year-over-year

Sporting goods, hobby, book & music stores:

• +0.3 percent month-to-month
• +1.3 percent year-over-year